Jake Levine is an operations specialist at a beer, wine, and spirits importing company and lives in Old Bethpage.
Q: Take us back to what your life was like before joining the TBBC Program?
A: Before joining TBBC I was an overweight college student who cared more about drinking and partying than my physical appearance. When I did workout it was mostly just lifting weights and no cardio was involved. I was very self-conscious of my body but was also very lazy which didn’t help my cause. I always knew I wanted to make a change but just never had to drive to do so. I did not feel good. Walking up the stairs was exhausting, playing sports I used to love when I was a teenager was very difficult, and just everyday life was a struggle. I was not happy. I was scared to take off my shirt when at the beach and pool because I just didn’t want anyone to see my body. I was devastated and sad a lot.
Q: Why did you end up deciding to join the TBBC program?
A: My dad joined and he told me all about it. He’s not in the best shape either but when he told me about the gym and how much he enjoyed it, I knew it would be something for me. I needed someone to give me a workout and needed a workout that was less than an hour. All of these requirements are exactly what TBBC fulfilled. A workout where I don’t really need to think and I can just go, be told the exercises, work hard and then leave all in 45 minutes. How could I resist???
Q: What was your first impression from the TBBC program?
A: I vividly remember my first workout. We were outside on the grass in the back parking lot and I remember the first 10 minutes I thought I was going to pass out. But with my dad by my side and the support of the trainers, they were able to get me through it. I remember the feeling after the workout and was saying to myself, “How can I do this again, I am so sore and tired.” Eventually, I pushed myself to continue to go and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. Once you get over that hump of soreness and tiredness then you feel unstoppable. I’ll never forget my first month at boot camp.
Q: What aspects/tools of TBBC have benefited you the most?
A: What I feel like I’ve benefited from the most is being able to learn new ways to workout when not at bootcamp. I can take the workouts and the exercises I learned here and be able to do it anywhere. I’ve also learned healthy lifestyles and choices. Like what to and what not to eat, things I can do instead of sitting on my couch, and many more tools.
Q: How is the TBBC program different from other programs you have tried before? What makes TBBC different or unique?
A: What makes it unique is it’s like a family. You eventually start working out with the same people and you all become one big family. You push each other and you also joke around with everyone. I’ve never felt more comfortable at a gym before I joined TBBC. The Facebook group is also something I’ve never experienced with a gym. It’s the perfect way to follow people’s journeys and also learn about everyone who is on the same boat as you and is trying to make a difference in their lives.
Q: Walk us through your journey. What results and benefits have you experienced in the TBBC Program?
A: Well since I was working out here during my breaks in college, my weight has been going up and down. The summer before my Junior year (2014 summer) I lost 17 pounds in 2 months. However, I went back to school and gained it all back. I then graduated college in December 2016 and now knew this was my chance to shine. I didn’t really keep track of my weight until my 23rd birthday (August 30th, 2017). Here is when I set my goal that I would be 200 pounds by my 24th birthday. On September 1st I stepped on the scale and saw 245 pounds. As of June 18th, I am now 206 pounds and have never felt better. I don’t have to eat as much to be full, I’ve learned to portion control, I’ve been making sure I get at least 8 hours of sleep (which gives me a lot more energy), and I’ve pretty much learned how to live a healthier lifestyle.
Q: What would you say to anyone looking at the TBBC program
A: What I’d like to say is, “If you do not join TBBC, what are you doing with your life???” But what I would really say is, if you are looking for a place where you feel welcome, you want a place where you don’t have to think during the workout and just have to workout and if you want a workout less then an hour, then you should join. The hardest part about the weight loss journey is finding where to start. There is not a better place I can think of to start then TBBC.
If you live or work in Bay Shore, Farmingdale, Babylon, West Islip, West Babylon, Bethpage, or Massapequa, the Farmingdale and Babylon Group Personal Training is just minutes away from you.
Total Body Boot Camp programs include Group Personal Training, 10-4 Challenge, weight loss programs, Corporate wellness plans, nutrition plans, core fitness training, strength training, toning and more. Clients include corporate executives, professionals, weekend warriors, stay at home moms, and anyone looking for results.
Owner, Billy Hofacker and his team have worked with hundreds of clients helping them get fit, tone up, and feel better about themselves. A 20 year veteran of the fitness industry, Billy owns and operates Total Body Boot Camp and Performance Center, which has locations in Farmingdale and Babylon, NY. He is the author of Lose Weight and Feel Great as well as a contributing author to Fuel Your Soul. Billy is considered a thought leader, especially in the areas of habit and behavior change, nutrition coaching and corporate wellness. Outside of his passion for helping busy people lose weight, Billy is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and is active in his local church. Billy and his wife Melissa live on Long Island NY with their two daughters.